Expedition Chilean fjords

Offer your clients a journey to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. Chile’s fjords stretch along a dramatic and rugged coastline. Narrow, winding waterways carve their way through vast, untouched wilderness. Towering mountain ranges, immense glaciers and deep fjords create a landscape of extraordinary scale, where guests truly feel dwarfed by nature.

The region is defined by its diversity: from the lush, lake-dotted landscapes around Puerto Montt – often referred to as the gateway to Patagonia – to the wild and remote southern fjords shaped by ice and time over thousands of years. Along the way, your clients encounter a unique combination of natural phenomena, including volcanoes, dense forests, shimmering glacial lakes and vast ice fields.

Wildlife is equally impressive, with opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, guanacos and a wide variety of bird species, including condors and penguins. At the same time, cultural encounters add depth to the experience: from the mythology of the Huilliche people on Chiloé Island to the heritage of indigenous communities such as the Kawéskar in Puerto Eden, a remote settlement.

Each day reveals new perspectives – whether cruising past massive glacier fronts, navigating through narrow channels or exploring ashore with experts. The Chilean fjords are not simply a destination, but a continuously evolving expedition experience that combines raw nature, cultural authenticity and a true sense of discovery.

- Access to remote and rarely visited areas: Our small, manoeuvrable expedition ships can navigate routes that larger vessels cannot – for example the narrow Kirke Narrows or the interior waterways leading to Caleta Tortel and Puerto Eden.
In-depth knowledge: The Kirke Narrows are approximately 130 metres wide from bank to bank at their narrowest point, but offer a navigable width of only around 40 metres. Due to this extreme narrowing and strong tidal currents, passing through the strait – which is a vital maritime route to Puerto Natales – requires the utmost navigational precision, which our experienced captains and crews are, of course, able to guarantee.

- Up-close nature experiences thanks to Zodiacs and expert guidance: Guests do not just observe from afar: they experience glaciers such as Pio XI or Garibaldi at close range during Zodiac rides, accompanied by experts who provide context on nature, wildlife and glaciology.

- Exceptional expedition character with active exploration: Guided hikes and landings reveal the authentic side of Chile beyond the main routes – for instance on Chiloé Island or within remote fjord landscapes.

- Combination of iconic highlights and off-the-beaten-track destinations: The itinerary blends well-known sites such as Torres del Paine National Park with lesser-known locations like Puerto Eden, offering a more comprehensive and distinctive product for your clients.
In-depth knowledge: Puerto Eden is one of Chile’s most remote settlements, accessible only by water and consisting of just a handful of houses stretching along a coastal promenade. The village has very few inhabitants – between 90 and 170 – and is home to the last descendants of the Kaweskar people, indigenous sea nomads who have lived in this region for around 6,000 years.

- Outstanding viewing experience on board: Open deck spaces, such as the inspiration Walk, provide uninterrupted panoramic views – ideal for scenic cruising through fjords, glaciers and the Beagle Channel.

- High nautical expertise in demanding waters: Challenging passages and complex manoeuvres are handled by experienced crews – for example when navigating narrow fjord channels or the Strait of Magellan, ensuring both safety and a unique route design.

• ​Spectacular routes to remote regions where other ships have to turn back
• Cruises with respect to nature and wildlife and with a small group of no more than 230 guests
• Closer to nature on board thanks to an exceptional amount of open deck space
• Safety at the end of the world thanks to the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6)
• Captains and crews with decades of expertise
• See and understand more thanks to teams of experts 
• State-of-the-art navigation, positioning and communications systems

Sylvia Zumsande, International Trade Marketing Manager, visitied the Chilean fjords aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration: 

In December 2019, I had the unforgettable privilege of exploring the breathtaking Chilean fjords aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration – a brand-new expedition ship, just two months old at that time, that turned this journey into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Read the full article and be inspired!